Hey Lewis, who are you anyway? I only ask because you made a reference to "Fuzzy" which means you must be really old school - and have a good memory. Who even knows about that, anyway?

I'll join in on the butter-buttfuck-fest as well, I guess. I'm moving to Seattle (I know, everyone does) and it's making me feel especially touchy-feely about this town and it's people.

First off, you gotta say that even though Joe Anderson is in it for the money (it's a business, right?) Without him, the entire Albuquerque scene would pretty much be fucked.

Second, the bands here are damn good. For a relatively small city, there really is an enormous amount of talent here. The only gripe I would have is that there are so many awesome bands that don't get out there and tour. When are we gonna see a Romeo tour, Levi?!

I do have to say that about 2 years ago the 'burque scene seemed to be in a downward spiral. It seemed like most of the established bands were breaking up and I really had little hope for it. But since then, it sort of seems like a rebirth. The people that have been around for awhile reassured me that it all goes in cycles, and they were right. I never had the chance to goto The Dingo, but apparently that was the shit back in the day. Anyone know about that?

Oh also, who is this bezerker joe anyway? How does everyone know who eachtoher is? You guys are awesome.

And, I'm totally down with Rocksquawk because Oh, Ranger! was the first band on here! Back me up, Dandee!

Joey for driving Lousy Robot to Dallas for two shows. Dandee and Jim for being understanding when I had to leave Lousy Robot. Leonard for giving the Giranimals our first shows even though we absolutely sucked. Brian and Melissa for also giving us some of our first shows and being very gracious even though we sucked. Matt Dickens and the Mindy Set for being very nice people. Ruben for recording us for free and then becoming our bass player. Everyone on the Squawk for being open and honest.

This is nice. I guess I'm a hippie too. For a while I stopped posting cause of all the bitching. I guess I didn't post a whole lot before any way but here I go.

I like that the scene is small and growing. It's getting to the point where its not hard for a band to maintain itself monetarily. By that I mean offset promotions cost, equipment cost, web, and even raise money for recording. Well I don't know. It's gotten easier for us Hit by a Bus dorks. Our recording time is pretty much paid for and some of it comes from members jobs but most of it like 3 Gs or so the band actually raised from doing shows.
Not only that but people here are very enthusiastic about other peoples music. We played with Someday, Feels like Sunday, and Nunchuk at the launchpad a few weeks ago and it was a great show. The bands and the crowd were enthusiastic and happy to be there. The crowd was there for all the bands which was great. Ooh!! and the Outpost with YaYa Boom Project every band had a full house and they didn't really rotate. (crowd-wise) The first band was like the indigo girls it was their first show and I can't recall their name at the moment, I hate not remembering. Damn! Then Hollis Wake, us, Ya Ya Boom. It was such a fun show. Both these shows all the bands were very enthusiastic about each-other.

Here's the hard part. We can't get "sweet shows" with bigger touring bands. We have been trying for 3 years. Can't seem to do it. As far as draw we do poor at the Atomic, Mediocre at Burts, at the outpost we fill the place, at the compound we fill the place, at the launchpad we fill the place. Clearly we have an all ages draw. So the Launch Pad and Sunshine are Ideal. I can call and bug Joe on a regular basis and nothing happens. I won't blame the scene, I happen to believe that I am the master of my fate. So If any are interested I would like your opinions about what we're doing wrong. We must be doing something wrong. I'm looking to ya'll for constructive criticism. If you know anything about us, have seen us, have heard things, or know us, then please tell us how to improve. You know its interesting this last show at the launchpad we had a very hard time booking. It took a month and a half to confirm the show. We can confirm a show in LA in a few hours. If anyone can help please say something.

The thing I love the most about this scene is honesty. I actually think the people in this scene are honest and real. Thanks all for that. We are trying to push ourselves into the regional scene and we are trying to get as much support as possible from our hometown. Let us know what we can do better.

We leave to tour and record with Sylvia on 9/2. Thanks for all the support from various people in the scene over the years you know who you are. There's more I love about the scene but its late and I must sleep now. Any advice ya'll have is welcome and very appreciated. Peace out!

Its true. Oh, Ranger! was the first band on here. Then Rage Against Martin Sheen. In fact Oh, Ranger!s site was one of the insperations for the site.

Lucas, Re: touring: I'd really like to. i do the merch and web site and all the other stuff, so I'd like it if one of the rest of the band, someone more likable with better connections, did the booking. Recently i've done a lot of the local booking, and frankly, i don't like it. I'm all about DIY and shit, but some things i'm just not good at.

Skreech: i don't think you all have anything to worry about. You all are still young; those all-ages kids will grow up. Our target audience is 20-somethings, and we write songs for them. At our cd release, the average age of people there must have been 26 or 27. Eventually those people will go out less, and It'll hurt us. Our all-ages shows are fine, but we are always just support. It's not like my songs are just suddenly going to get popular with kids. If you are touring and stuff every single local band ever from here says the same thing, from Scared Of Chaka to the Shins. That's why almost all the musicians who were playing the "sweet shows" when I started have moved. As far as opening for touring bands, I think the bars often try to make a match, and you guys don't sound just like anyone else. We have a similar problem. We opened for the Genitorturers and Captured By Robots, and while that was cool, i really don't think any of their crwod became our crowd. I would have killed for that Von Bondies show, but there was just too much competition. If you stick around here, a lot of these bands are going to break up eventually. Like i said recently in another thread, it's going to be hard for us to advance from here unless someone leaves and their space opens up. or we split...

It's not so much of a clique thing as it is a tenure kind of deal (although we try to make friends and work as a team with other bands i think).

the touring thing, in and of itself, is a problem. touring is fun, but you have to keep in mind what your goals are. the reality is, most people that attend shows around this region are in the 12-20 age range. personally, I'm tired of trying to win over kids that listen to whatever's 'in' at the time.
I used to enjoy touring because I got to visit old friends that I just couldn't normally see. however, the last tour I went on was depressing(even with average crowds of 60+ per night) just because so many of our old friends won't come out to see us anymore. it's demoralizing.
anyways, all that said, I'm pretty tired of trying to tour and win over new fans. I'd prefer to just play the abq bars and occasional all age thing. touring does make for some good 'band-bonding' time though.

Skreech: I guess what I was i was meaning to say is : I hear you, man. We are doing pretty well, and the town is doing better i think, but i can feel that wall we need to break through, and it is frustrating.

Of course, there is always going to be another wall after that...

And yeah, I have no interest in trying to win over the Good Charlotte crowd or whatever kids listen to nowadays. I'm much more satisfied with reaching "my people" even if it might be a battle of diminishing returns.

If the goal is to "make it" in the classic sense, then i don't know how much advice there is here. Rocksquawk and most of the bands who frequent it are very hometown focused.

Whoa. First of all let me say I love our music scene in all it's diversity. Whether I like the music or not, everyone is really good at what they do. Especially Ella and Harry. Last I checked, I was COMPLIMENTING your band. And as Levi says there's a difference between Negativity and Constructive criticism. There shouldnt be any bullshit between me and Harry, but I have heard you talk shit about aLOT of people, so it surprises me that you cant take it if someone is critical of you. Quite honestly this is fucking retarded, and blown out of proportion. You can go on for days on end about what a dick I am, and I'll agree.So, dont take it too personal when someone calls you out on your shortcomings too. If you want to just squash this shit, that's fine by me; but you definitely dont want to make a fight out of this. Trust me. Friends gave me the name Berzerker, not me... But since I'm trying my best not to be a macho asshole ( even if it doesnt show ), and if your really that offended, just talk to me in person. We'll be grownup about it. Ella, I'm sorry if I pissed you off. You've always been extremely nice to me, and I sincerely apologize if I offended you. You guys are great musicians and I can appreciate anything anyone is doing for the local music scene. There. I hope that was grownup enough.

So...no cage match?
Grown up is boring.
i guess i'll have to return the bets now...

Thanks Joe,
For my part, I don't want any trouble. And I have no problem taking some criticism, especially if it is constructive. I think that if you were to talk to everyone in the band, you'd find out that we are super critical of ourselves, cripplingly critical sometimes. Its just that we have to garner up enough moxy to get on stage (and we love getting on stage!). I am happy to know that you and I are ok, because I always thought that we got along well. I just have to speak up in defense of Harry, because I think that he is really great. And I just have to think that your impression of him must have come from something taken out of context, or a misunderstanding (I hope that Levi's posts have clarified to you that he/we love RGTH). Thanks for your compliments, they are meaningful, especially since you don't really like the kind of music we play. And thanks for being so grownup.

ella/U7d
http://www.unit7drain.com
"Simfonik Mike is my hero"

I personally don't think that commenting that I am arrogant is constructive criticism. Rather I would describe that as insult. And insult requires apology. As to how you got the name Berzerker, I have no idea, maybe from a D+D game. I am certainly interested in constructive criticism, on the other hand, I'm as interested in being insulted as I am with certain people's nicknames (which is to say not at all). So apologize here or in person, and everything will be fine.
Harry/U7d

Hey Lucas! Old school is dead on. I think maybe cyanobacteria is older, not by much. I was the OF sucking the life out of good tunes on guitar for Ileana. Even though i was never good or cool, i miss it all. Buy ya one @ the LP, i hope one day. For those who don't Fark: Kermit the Frog turns 50 soon. Seems a lifetime of eating pork is not so bad for you after all.

Holy shit Lewis! Good to hear from you. After I posted my last message I thought it might be you. Hope to run into you sometime!

Mike, Sorry to contribute to the negativity. Your thread is about how much people like the music scene. Not about Harry Vs. Joe. We've met the last time you played at Atomic ( you were asking about the spiked bracelets and belts I make ), and we seemed to get along fine. The end of this message is pretty negative and concerns me and Harry ONLY. I hate to turn this into a macho cockfight, but seems it already has. Ella, glad we can smooth things over, and I commend you for sticking up for your boy. Your band DOES kick ass. You guys have TONS of fans, and I would think you really wouldnt care what I like or dont like. Chances are you guys dont like the kind of music I do. Not to mention most of you are all REALLY fucking nice. I hope none of you are so offended by me that you wont come in to your friends bar on account of me. The Rocksquawk mini-crawl is coming up and I'll be there. Any lingering differences need to be resolved before then, so as to not make you or the rest of your band uncomfortable. Harry, you get absolutely NO apology from me, and I'm more than happy to tell you to your face. This Thursday night at 8:30 pm I will be in the alley behind Atomic. I'll be alone. If you want to settle this shit, you'll be there too, also alone. We resolve this any way you want. We either talk it out or duke it out. When it's done, it's done, and we both walk away. If it's a fight you want, we do it bare hands, and absolutely ALONE! You have my word I'll be fair about it. Let's just assume your not a pussy who'll press charges when you get your ass kicked. And by the way
( even though your not interested in the origin of peoples nicknames ), Let me rephrase myself in saying the name Berzerker was given by friends who've seen me send people to Intensive Care, not D & D (That WAS good though). And, oh, by the way, what's up with you calling my BOSS before you confront ME? Seriously, when you try to drag my job into this, it just pisses me off. As for the nameless, faceless, chickenshit who left me a " FOREWARNING " in the bathroom at Atomic
( I doubt it was Harry since I would assume he would have more respect for his friends bar ), you obviously know where to find me. Forewarn me to my fucking face. I've gotten a considerable amount of shit from people about ONE fifteen word line in which Harry's name is mentioned. As far as I'm concerned or anyone else that's between me and him and no one else! Let me and him settle this shit on our own and everyone else just back the fuck off. If anyone were to take the time to get to know me, you'd figure out I'm a pretty nice guy, but at the same time an asshole when my buttons are pushed repeatedly. All this stupid shit over a teeny little thing I wrote. Why does anyone even fuckin care what I think anyway? I would assume people who think I'm juvenile and adolescent would be above me and just ignore it if I say something they dont like. THIS in itself is a complete waste of ALL of our time. I really do got better things to do as I imagine the rest of you also do. All this shit is going to make ME out to be the bad guy, and I'll just have to live with that. Maybe I'll even get kicked off of Rocksquawk. Who knows. Over all, I think it's a lesson to us all that we really should get the fuck over ourselves. Myself included. Everyone here is involved in the music scene in one way or another. The bands need the venues, the venues need the bands. We all love this shit and there's bigger battles to fight; like say, the all ages ban. Instead of squabbling over our petty differences, we should all be doing what we can to preserve and improve our scene, since we'd all be bored out of our fucking minds ( not to mention out of jobs ) if we didnt have one. Go for the REAL villians jugular, not mine. The wasted energy that went into this ALONE could've effectively been put towards something much bigger than us. That said; Cheers, Albuquerque. My squawking is done for the time being.

shit.
can anyone help me cool these fuckers off?

ella/u7d
http://www.unit7drain.com

"Simfonik Mike is my hero"

Joe,
The only reason that I talked to your boss is because he is my close friend and I thought he might know you better than I do, and I wanted to find out what your deal was. I don't have any interest in fighting you, or jepordizing your job. If you don't want to apologize to me for calling me names, that reflects your attitude and character, which you have repeatedly described as "asshole". I am unsure why you have cultivated such an adversarial attitude toward me. I have had nothing against you until this, and was really quite suprised and confused by your characterization of me. No one else understands your animosity either (Romeo). I will meet you in the "the alley" if that is the best way you can come up with of settling this. I am going there alone as you requested. I will be going with the intention of resolving this as quickly and maturely as possible. I am not afraid a fight, but I want you to know that I really hate to fight. And would like an end to this dumb thing too. Though I have to stand up for myself...you understand, I'm sure.
Harry/U7d

All bickering and character assassination a side, some of what's been discussed here makes me want to ask, is anyone actually making a living off of this scene?

Because out of the scene, whenever I ask people in town, about this band or that band (and mind you these are pretty well known bands within the scene) they look at me like I've just told them about my make believe animal friend and our adventures in pre-WWII France. That have no clue who or what I'm talking about.

Thoughts?

Can I make this a bit more ridiculous and DJ the event? I'm thinking nothing but the greatest of the bay city rollers.

Seriously though. This is fucking retarded and one of the reasons I can't stand this town sometimes. The random shit talking has gotta go folks. If you don't know someone and all you can come up with is bad things to say about them maybe you should take a step back and look in the mirror.
-Zac

The Foxx are barely breaking even on tour. In town we're probably paying off our cds and records. Making money? Nope. With the rising cost of gas it's even less likely in the future. Clubs are paying bands less than ever and every band in the world wants to tour now so there's tons of competition to get a decent show.
Even if we do come out ahead at some point there's always the need for new equipment, fixing equipment, paying for stuff like tshirts and buttons, etc...

Lately we've been trying to do mainly shows with touring bands and when that's the case we always give our cut of the money to the touring band. So lately we're rarely making anything at all outside of merch sales when we play in town.
-Zac

quote:

.....is anyone actually making a living off of this scene?

Because out of the scene, whenever I ask people in town, about this band or that band (and mind you these are pretty well known bands within the scene) they look at me like I've just told them about my make believe animal friend and our adventures in pre-WWII France.

I think that one's been asked before in a different thread, and the answer was "no".

The old man has made good money on gigs from time to time, but I don't think he'd earn back what he's spent on equipment even if he was still gigging at age 95. And no doubt he will be - his band will be called the Animated Cadavers and I'll be bitching that band practice needs to be over at 10 pm (while pouring the beer down the drain). Best to think of it as a hobby that he loves and leave it at that. It ain't about the money, can't be. Sometimes it ain't about the friendships either because he puts up with a lot of "interesting" characters if the music is good. Must be for the love of what he does - at least that's the only answer I have.

As for the imaginary animal friend, I think you hit the nail there. The fame and notoriety is pretty much limited to a small circle. I guess I'd call the local music scene an enclosed society.....sometimes I think of rocksquawk as a support group for folks with a common addiction. A lot of people tend to use the forums as a diary....a screenplay of their lives. They sit in front of an empty screen, alone with their thoughts and thinking they'll find an understanding ear. Few bad apples in the batch, few with some serious delusions, and a few with some common sense. For the most part the music itself seems to be a constructive addiction. It's the side effects that causes the harm....broken/neglected relationships, alcoholism/DWI, bar fights/violence, bruised egos, the death of dreams, and a side addiction of hearing themselves talk to empty airspace. Jeez, maybe I better log off now.